POUGHKEEPSIE – Mike Maker was introduced as the 11th head coach in Marist men’s basketball history on Wednesday in a press conference held at McCann Arena.

The press conference began at approximately 11 a.m. Director of Athletics Tim Murray opened the press conference, welcomed those in attendance and discussed the search before turning it over to Maker. Murray and Maker then both fielded questions from the media. The formal part of the press conference ended at around 11:45, after which the media held one-on-one interview sessions.

Maker comes to Marist with 26 years of coaching experience, including 17 as a Division I assistant. He was most recently the head coach at Williams College, where he went 147-32 (.821) in six years as head coach and led the Ephs to three Final Four appearances and two berths in the national championship game.

Here are quotes from the press conference:

Marist Director of Athletics Tim Murray

“Even though time was of the essence, we were committed to conducting a thorough search. It would not have been possible without our search committee.”

“Members of our sophomore and junior class, led by Khallid Hart, met with all the candidates. Their leadership on and off the court provided our program with strong and invaluable insight.”

“As you will see this morning, Maker is an emotional and passionate individual.”

“Mike not only believes in Marist’s mission and commitment to academics, but embraces it.”

“We believe we found a tremendous fit in our new coach who will lead us in achieving our goals.”

Marist Head Coach Mike Maker

“I can tell you that our goal will simply make everyone associated with Marist proud of how our young men conduct themselves in our community, on our campus, and on the court.”

“Team-first approach, unselfishness, character, intelligence and skill. Those are all critical aspects.”

“I’m a small college guy, I get questions about ‘can I make the jump from Division III to Division I?’ I think I’m fully prepared for this opportunity and I embrace the academic standard of the college and I can’t wait to get started.”

“The staff, like our players, will mirror the mission of this institution.”

“The most important thing for me to do is to recruit the players I already have here.”

“It’s a great community here from everything I’ve heard and I can’t tell you how excited my wife Erica and my son Jack are about this opportunity. I’ve worked 26 years for this moment. It’s a dream come true. I’m ready to get to work and excited for this opportunity at Marist.”

“Winning is a by-product of doing things the right way, we will do things the right way.”

“We will play a style that will take advantage of our players’ strengths.”

“You just took one of the best jobs in that league and you’re a great fit.” – Advice from Michigan Head Coach John Beilein to Mike Maker

“I try to concentrate on things we can control. I know what we can control - my relationship with players, who we decide to bring in to this great institution and how we decide to play.”

“The more people see hard work, enthusiasm, and competitiveness, the more they’ll come. We need people to rally behind us. We have enough character in the program now. The guys just got to believe in themselves, in our style, and play team basketball. I think you’re going to see team basketball that will surprise you.”

“I think they hear the passion in my voice, my commitment to the standards here at Marist, and how we’re going to play, and my expectations for their performance on and off the court.”

“I have high expectations for their performance in many ways. I will be very demanding without being demeaning with the way we conduct our business. There are no shortcuts. We are going to run a first-class basketball program. “

“Success is a by-product of quality young men playing beautiful basketball.”